Plasma Resonance Absorption in Thin Metal Films

Abstract

The transmission of $p$- and $s$-polarized light through thin silver films as a function of wavelength and angle of incidence has been measured. As predicted, a dip in transmission occurs in the vicinity of the plasma frequency only for the $p$-polarized light. This dip is associated with the excitation of a collective-type surface plasma mode in the thin film by the electromagnetic wave. The plasma frequency of the film can be accurately determined from this dip to occur at 3.80 eV.